5 Things You Should Know About Your Body

Knowing these five things will help you stay healthy and keep stress at bay.

By: Madeline Glasser

The human body is a pretty incredible thing. It lets us move freely, feel different sensations and interact with the world around us. You are only given one body for this lifetime, so it is important to treat it well.

It’s so easy to get off track: Working long hours and juggling life’s demands can take a toll on your wellbeing. Sometimes, feeling better is as simple as getting back to the basics and checking in to see if you’re taking proper care of yourself. These five things are often the root cause of feeling “blah.” Addressing them now will help you live happily and healthfully for a long time to come.

1. Beat StressStress is a natural process in the human body, and in the short term isn’t a bad thing. Chronic stress, however, has been shown to do a substantial amount of harm. When dealing with chronic stress, you might suffer from some terrible side effects: headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, anxiety, depression and more.

Finding a way to positively manage your stress can help lessen these ailments and help you live a happier life. Some good ways to de-stress include incorporating exercise into your daily routine, yoga, journaling and meditation.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, HydrateWater makes up approximately 78 per cent of our brains and also a huge part of the body in general. Maintaining adequate hydration helps the body continue to function at an optimal level.

To calculate approximately how much water you should be drinking each day, divide your weight by two. That number is equal to the number of ounces you should try to consume each day. Take into account any environmental factors that might increase that number and drink up!

3. Supplement Your DietMany individuals do not get all the necessary vitamins and minerals their bodies need each day from food alone. While you should be aiming to eat a colourful diet full of fruits and veggies, sometimes a multivitamin can help make up for something you missed. Talk to your healthcare provider about which one would be right for you.

4. Don’t Discount Rest and SleepMany, many individuals are suffering from lack of sleep. The body uses the time you’re asleep to repair damaged cells and recharge for the next day, so it is very important to make sure you are getting enough sleep.

The average adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep a night for maximum benefits. If you have a difficult time falling asleep, try to establish a consistent bedtime routine. Go to bed at the same time, lower your thermostat to about 21 C and remove electronics from the bedroom, as light from a TV, smartphone and computer screen can disrupt the brain’s ability to relax.

To figure out a good bedtime, take the time you need to wake up in the morning and go backwards seven to eight hours — that’s the time you should be asleep — not just in bed.

5. Laugh: It’s the Best MedicineThis goes hand-in-hand with “stress less,” but laughter truly is the best medicine. Filling your day with smiles and laughter can improve your overall mood — and will actually help prolong your life.

Surround yourself with individuals who lift your spirits and find activities that improve your frame of mind and self-esteem. Try to maintain a positive attitude as you go through the day, and focus on the good that comes your way.

Implementing these five basic tips will improve the quality of life, your body and mind will thank you.

Madeline is the author of the Food, Fitness, and Family blog where she writes about yummy eats, sweaty workouts, and life as a family of three — soon to be four! She is an Army wife dedicated to finding balance between kale and cake pops while raising her growing family.